An Also, an Account of the Witchcraft Delusion at Salem, in 1692 Thacher, James 1754-1844 creator text utu 2015 monographic en 1 online resource : multiple file formats "An Essay on Demonology, Ghosts and Apparitions, and Popular Superstitions" by James Thacher is a historical treatise written in the early 19th century. This work explores the beliefs surrounding demons, ghosts, witchcraft, and superstitions that have plagued humanity through various ages. Thacher aims to dissect the psychological and societal implications of these phenomena while examining their roots in human imagination and superstition. The opening of the essay outlines the nature of the human mind and its susceptibility to superstition, emphasizing how erroneous beliefs can lead to dire consequences, including violence and persecution. Thacher introduces the concept that apparitions and supernatural experiences can often be explained through natural causes, like the functioning of the nervous system and the power of imagination. He presents various anecdotes and insights to illustrate how perceptions can be distorted by emotional and psychological states, setting the stage for a thorough analysis of the interplay between belief, fear, and rational thought regarding supernatural occurrences. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Ghosts and apparitions -- Power of imagination -- Illusions -- Imagination and fear -- Superstition -- Witchcraft and sorcery -- Salem witchcraft -- Omens and auguries -- Medical quackery. Release date is 2015-06-06 Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Sam W. and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from scanned images of public domain material from the Google Print project.) Original publication data not identified Superstition Witchcraft Witchcraft -- Massachusetts -- Salem BF Original publication data not identified 11006868 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49152 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49152 UtSlPG 260607 20260610134129.0 49152